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http://brownbearindulge.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/entry/as-seen-inCityscape hits up some of the world’s most famous film destinations.

The world’s coming here to stand in front of all those gorgeous, green backdrops from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit – so assuming you’ve ticked a few of the Rings locations off already, here are a few hot overseas destinations for feeling like a Hollywood hero.

PETRA, JORDAN – It’s hard to forget the moment when Indiana Jones arrives at the temple of the Holy Grail in The Last Crusade, and almost equally hard to believe you can have the same experience yourself in Petra, arriving by donkey (you probably won’t find any centuries-old knights, though).

PHUKET, THAILAND – The gorgeous vistas of Thailand have popped up in plenty of films, including James Bond entries and notably in Danny Boyle’s The Beach. Head to Ko Phi Phi Lee beach, dig your toes in the sand and stand where Leo Di Caprio did (just mind the pot plantation!).

HATFIELD HOUSE, UK – When Hollywood needs a home for a rich superhero, it heads for Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. The historic country house (1611) has played the onscreen digs of both Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) and Batman, as well as hosting scenes for Sherlock Holmes, Shakespeare in Love, V for Vendetta and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, which you can spot on a guided tour.

MALTA – Epitomising Mediterranean splendour, Malta’s famous Azure Window has starred front and centre in Clash of the Titans (the good 80s version –Kraken anyone?) The Count of Monte Cristo and also on TV’s The Odyssey, but most famously in Game of Thrones, while the tiny island has provided the backdrop to blockbusters including Midnight Express, Gladiator, Alexander, Troy, The Da Vinci Code, World War Z and many (many!) more.

The city that never sleeps, the Paris of South America and birthplace of the tango are all apt descriptors of Argentina’s bustling, hyper-kinetic capital Buenos Aires. With so much happening (and literally at all hours of the day) you’re likely to be whisked off your feet, but wherever in the city your adventure takes you, there’s no doubting you’ll fall under its exotic charms.

It’s as if BA has taken the best parts of your favourite places and smashed them together: discover the shopper’s paradise of trendy Palermo Soho’s boutique-lined streets, gape in wonder at the architectural delights, spanning old world art-nouveau to Italian Renaissance (be sure to check out Confitería Del Molino and Palacio Barolo and its wacky back story), and sample the famous Argentine asado (BBQ – vegetarians beware: meat, and plenty of it, is the order of the day here, where the grilling of beef is treated with religious-like fervour).

And unless you’re a night owl, you’re gonna want to catch some Zs before heading out – it’s not uncommon to go out to dinner at 1am (restaurants open from 9pm), with bars opening at midnight and clubs at 2am (at the earliest) – though if you’re super cool you won’t make an appearance until 4am, then dance through sunrise.

If you need help staying awake, the national drink of choice, mate (pronounced ‘mah-tay’), is a caffeine-packed elixir/tea that’s drunk everywhere according to a strict protocol – so follow their lead and put on your dancing shoes.

Where to stay

An ode to French Belle Époque grandeur, the Alvear Palace Hotel has been wowing visitors with its crystal chandeliers and gilded-wood-panelled walls since opening in 1932. Unwind after a night out (or should that be morning?) in the famous Alvear Spa’s 8,600 square feet of serenity, wellness and beauty treatments. Virtuoso guests receive bonuses galore including upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and L’Orangerie Restaurant’s famed high tea for two. www.alvearpalace.com

To learn more about the exciting possibilities of Buenos Aires as a destination, get in touch with the travel experts at Holland Clarke & Beatson.]]>webdesign@tmlpublishing.com (Cityscape)TravelFri, 10 Jul 2015 16:04:34 +1200The Georgehttp://brownbearindulge.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/entry/the-george-1
http://brownbearindulge.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/entry/the-george-1Forget airplane food, jetlag and your own personal experience of 'Border Patrol', this summer take a 'staycation' at right here in Christchurch at The George Hotel! Stay for a night and you'll soon find out why it took out the award for 'New Zealand's #1 City Hotel' in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2012. A one-to-one staff to guest ratio ensures peerless service – and there are two award-winning restaurants to choose from. Special packages are currently available for a night in a Premium Executive room and breakfast at 50 Bistro. Call for the day's best rate [p. 03 379 4560, www.thegeorge.com].]]>webdesign@tmlpublishing.com (Cityscape)TravelWed, 16 Jan 2013 09:39:16 +1300